Tabby cat looking for new home after being rescued by RSPCA

Tabby cat Velma was left behind at a property in Durham when her owners moved away just before Christmas.

She would spit and growl at people when she came into the care of the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton and St Helens branch on Slutchers Lane but now she has learned to love again and is hoping to find a new home.

She was rescued by the charity along with three other cats called Daphne, Fred, and Scooby – named after characters in the popular children’s cartoon Scooby Doo.

Velma is the only one from the abandoned quartet who has yet to find a new home. 

Following weeks of care by the dedicated staff at the branch’s rehoming centre in Warrington who have been slowly getting to know her, Velma has come on in leaps and bounds and will now curl up on people’s laps for a cuddle.    

Animal care manager Katie Buckley said: “Velma was very worried when she arrived and she would hiss, spit and growl at us. Physically she was ok, but what had happened to her had left her understandably scared and anxious.

“As we would normally do with cats who are quite shut down when they come into our care because of their past experiences, we spent a lot of time slowly getting to know her, building up her confidence and trying to win her trust.

“She now enjoys a fuss, curling up on your lap and even having the occasional play with some of her toys.

“She has some way to go yet but she's definitely getting there. She can still be worried by sudden movements or noises and any fuss is very much on her terms. She will also go off and do her own thing once she's had enough human interaction, but she’s so much more relaxed than she was when she first arrived.

“Velma’s friends have already found new homes and we’d love to see her settled in one too. She's the last of the Mystery Inc crew waiting for her happy ending.

“After everything she has been through, she really deserves a second chance with understanding people who will let her take things at her own pace.”

Staff at the centre say Velma will be best suited to an adult-only home with no other pets with people who can give her plenty of time and patience and gently earn her trust.

In time she may want to explore outside, so a safe garden away from busy roads and railways, will also be beneficial.

For more details about how to adopt Velma visit the branch’s website.